BATTALION HISTORY

1 May 68 -31 July 1968 (condensed to fit newsletter)

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS, 145TH COMBAT AVIATION BATTALION

APO San Francisco, 96227

AVGC-CC 12 Aug 1968

SUBJECT: Operational Report of 145th Combat Aviation Battalion for period

ending 31 July 1968 (RCS CSFOR-65) (RI) (U) (UCI;WCYNAA)

1. (C) Section 1. Operations: Significant Activities

a. The mission of this battalion has not changed during this reporting period.

b. Organization:

(1) The 197th Medical Detachment was attached to the 135th Assault Helicopter Company 20 May 1968.

(2) The organization of the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion during the reporting period included the following units, located as indicated. (See Incl. 1)

c. Significant personnel changes during the reporting period were as follows :

(1) Commanding 0fficer, l45th Combat Aviation Battalion, 2 Jul 68

Outgoing: LTC Robert M. Deets 079250 Incoming: LTC Gerald L. Waldron 073002

(2) Battalion Executive Officer, 1 May 1968

Outgoing: LTC Robert W. Mills 096701 Incoming: Major Edmund L. Fuchs 01936032

(3) Battalion S-1/Adjutant, 1 May 1968

Outgoing: Maj Edmund L. Fuchs 01936032 Incoming: CPT William E. Bannister 05320641

(4) Battalion S-2, 8 July 1968

Outgoing: Maj John E. McCown 090263 Incoming: Maj Boyce C. McKinney 091928

(5) Battalion S-4, 1 May 1968

Outgoing: Major Donald C. VanPietersom Incoming: Maj Charles J. Mix 04005918

(6) Commanding Officer, 118th Assault Helicopter Company, 12 July 1968

Outgoing: Maj Henry C. Browning 0402487 Incoming: Maj Duane C. Ingram 074280

(7) Commanding Officer, 334th Armed Helicopter Company, 22 May 1968

Outgoing: LTC Echols L. Shedden Incoming: Major Joel J. Mikuta 074394

d. Unit Strengths as of 1 July 1968

( 1 ) Military:

Subordinate Officer WO EM Total

___Unit____ Auth O/H Auth O/H Auth O/H Auth O/H

68th AHC 18 15 53 46 239 204 310 256

118th AHC 17 16 53 43 231 195 301 254

135th AHC 17 14 54 43 246 194 317 251

190th AHC 17 18 53 48 230 196 300 262

334th AHC 31 13 26 36 219 190 276 239

HHD 22 29 2 0 115 158 139 187

145th CAB 122 105 241 216 1280 1159 1643 1480

(2) Civilians:

Subordinate DAC VN 3rd Contractor

___Unit__ Auth O/H Auth O/H Auth O/H Auth O/H

68th AHC 0 0 30 26 0 0 0 0

118th AHC 0 0 30 22 0 0 2 2

135th AHC 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 2

190th AHC 0 0 16 1 0 0 2 2

334th AHC 0 0 13 20 0 0 2 2

HHD 0 0 10 10 0 0 0 0

145th CAB 0 0 103 83 0 0 8 8

e. Aircraft Status as of 31 July 1968 (Incl. 2)

f. Operational Results as of 31 July 1968 (Incl. 3)

g. Awards and Decorations: The following awards were received by members of the battalion during the period 1 May 1968 through 31 July 1968.

AWARDS NUMBER RECEIVED AWARDS NUMBER RECEIVED

SS 8 LM 0

DFC 36 SM 0

BS"V" 6 BS 23

AM"V" 68 AM 2502

ACM"V" 14 ACM 86

PH 28

h. (C) Intelligence Situation

During the early days of May the enemy started the third phase of his general offensive. During the first 10 days of May there were 20 contacts made with VC/NVA units in and around the Bien Hoa/Saigon/Long Binh complexes, These contacts produced a confirmed body count of 1800, making a total of 5000 casualties in the III Corps area since the first of May, During the third week of May enemy, activity throughout the III Corps decreased and activity in the Saigon area was limited to occasional isolated attacks and minor terrorist activities. By the end of May the general decrease in enemy activity in the local area and the increased activity in outlying provinces indicated that the majority of the enemy forces had withdrawn to base areas.

During the period 1 June to 31 July 1968 enemy activity remained light. Captured documents and POW's reports give indication that the enemy had moved to and are still in base areas receiving replacements, supplies, and preparing for another offensive, It is apparent, from the changing troop dispositions, shifting of units, and the adjustment of enemy Order of Battle, that the enemy is going through a very definite period of realignment. This activity is on a greater scale than the previous quiet periods between offensives or phases of offensives. While there is little firm evidence to support it, it would appear that the enemy may, in fact, be changing strategy, Considering the enemy current strength, condition, and disposition, the possibility that the enemy will initiate a major offensive at this time continues to be remote.

i. Operations

(1) Combat Operation:

(a) This battalion was committed daily to tasks varying from combat support missions to reinforced battalion size combat assault operations. Battalion daily requirements of aircraft per lift company have been 10 UH-1D lift helicopters, one command and control helicopter, one maintenance helicopter, and four armed helicopters. The 334th Armed helicopter Company has provided four fire teams and two fireflys. Additionally, each Assault company normally employs a UH-1D aircraft equipped with a smoke dispenser during each combat assault operation. A total of 366 smoke missions were flown. During this reporting period, the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion has been involved in general support of III Corps ARVN and FWMAF operating in the III Corps Tactical Zone. These missions have been primarily limited to company size elements which have been reinforced by additional armed support as necessary.

(b) The Bien Hoa Air Base was subject to enemy rocket attacks on six occasions during this reporting period. These attacks occurred as shown below,

DATE NUMBER OF ROUNDS DAMAGE TO BATTALION AREA

7 May 68 4 3 Buildings minor damage

10 May 68 UNK 0

14 May 68 7-9 0

26 May 68 14 0

29 May 68 UNK 0

15 Jun 68 45 0

(c) During this reporting period the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion retained the responsibility of primary command and control of all armed helicopter light fire teams utilized in support of OPLAN Checkmate. A Command and Control helicopter has been flown by members of this battalion from 2300 - 0400 hours on a nightly basis in support of this plan.

j. Training

(1) Mandatory Training.

(a) Mandatory training as outlined in USARV Regulation 350-1 and 12th Combat Aviation Group Regulation 350-1 is being conducted between breaks in daily missions and at night by all units of this battalion. Continual emphasis is being placed on familiarization and zeroing of individual weapons. To date, all personnel of this battalion have participated in this training.

(b) This battalion is continually emphasizing first aid for air crew members and aviator training to include aerial gunnery.

(2) Assigned Training Tasks:

(a) One VNAF aviator received a certificate of graduation at a ceremony conducted at 12th Group Headquarters during this reporting period. This individual was the only aviator that completed the 90 day training program with this battalion. Other members of his class were transitioned in UH-1D aircraft and released or were transferred to the 214th Cbt Avn Bn to attend training designed to qualify them as instructor pilots, On 8 July six VNAF Aviators joined the battalion for transition training. Three of these personnel completed training on 30 July 1968 and were released to rejoin their respective units. The remaining three Aviators are scheduled to complete transition training and then fly operational missions with this battalion for a period of ninety days.

(b) This battalion is receiving a limited number of quotas for attendance at the Naval Survival School in the Philippines. All assigned quotas have been filled.

(c) This battalion continues to receive newly assigned senior officers for in-country orientation and training. The duration of their stay is normally two or three days. Emphasis is placed on the procedures used in planning and conducting airmobile operations and armed helicopter assaults. Individuals are afforded the opportunity to fly on each of the various missions performed by the battalion. Seven such officers received training during this reporting period,

(d) During this reporting period the 334th Armed Helicopter Company conducted a test utilizing, the AH-1G Cobra on Firefly missions. The test is continuing and training is being conducted in order to continue the utilization of this aircraft for this highly specialized mission.

(3) Physical Security

The physical security plan has been revised due to the move of the battalion headquarters and three companies during the month of May. Rehearsals and practice alerts have been conducted to insure a rapid response from reactionary forces. Additionally, all bunkers have been repaired or replaced to insure complete protection. A separate telephone communications system has been installed in the battalion operation center with separate lines to each bunker and outpost, Since some posts are manned 24 hours a day, this has greatly improved the security of the battalion.

k. Signal

(1) During this reporting period the battalion signal section moved all of the command communications for the battalion headquarters from Cong Ly street to the new headquarters location at Bien Hoa Air Base.

(2) One of the primary points resultant of this move was the improvement of the battalion communications center. The center was moved from a AN/MGC-9 van to a location within the battalion headquarters building. The building is constructed of steel reinforced concrete. This provides better security for the unit's CRYPTO equipment; less failure of All sensitive equipment due to heat; and fewer "down times"; and outages due to inadequate circuits to higher HQ.

(3) The section installed a 90 foot telephone pole, rigged with cross arms as an antenna mast, This mast is arranged to facilitate a high frequency radio (AN/TRC-146) 30 foot whip antenna and coupler. Below the top platform on the first set of cross arms are four AT-292's for FM; and below them on the second set of cross arms are two UHF antennas.

(4) Communications within the battalion operations center were increased and remote sets were eliminated by locating the radio room adjacent to the BOC, In addition to this the battalion FM control Net radio was also mounted through the wall so that the BOC duty officer could change channels whenever necessary. This system was further augmented by the installation of an SB-22 switchboard with hot lines to appropriate HQ (operations sections).

(5) The battalion switchboard (ROTOR) has been replaced by an SB-68 with additional line packs to facilitate 90 lines. The former switchboard, an AN/TCC-10, had been declared non-repairable and was returned to the 36th Signal Battalion. To further improve customer service, all numbers were assigned to the company in block form. At the present time all unnecessary phone lines in the battalion area are being removed, and all others are being formed into cables, and wherever possible buried.

(6) Supporting Spartan Tower since our move to Bien Hoa has resulted in several projects being accomplished. They are as follows:

(a) Installation of commercial power by PA&E. The organic generators are now used for emergency power if commercial power fails. The system, as it exists presently, may be supplied by either commercial or generator power through the use of a double-pull/double throw switch box which was installed just below the tower platform.

(b) Due to damage incurred when the tower was struck by lightning in May, it was necessary to re-wire the inside of tower shelter. Avionics systems which were damaged were repaired by the 320th Signal Detachment and by personnel in the Air Force electronics shop here at Bien Hoa. During this major repair activity the tower continued to operate utilizing tactical radios organic to this battalion (AN/PRC-25 and AN/PRC-41).

(c) During this reporting period three pairs of obstruction lights were installed on Spartan Tower to provide warning to aircraft utilizing the heliport during the hours of darkness. In addition, a floodlight was installed which illuminates the stairs leading from the ground to the top of the tower, This light will aid in preventing accidents during the changing of operators. This light does not interfere with the landing or departing aircraft.

l. Logistics:

(1) POL: The fuel consumption rate of the AAIA refueling point at HAM TAN increased from 3000 gallons to 4000 gallons of JP-4 per week during this reporting period. This 25% increase is due to the increase in the number of airmobile operations being conducted in the HAM TAN area. A weekly flight has been coordinated with the 528th Quartermaster Company to supply fuel to the AAIA as necessary. An operational load of 10,000 gallons of JP-4 currently is being maintained at this location.

(2) Ammunition: New guide-line figures have been received from Headquarters, 12th Combat Aviation Group to be used in computing the battalion basic load and storage levels are being maintained accordingly. This change incorporates the basic load of each unit with the currently authorized operational load and allows for better management of the amount of ammunition at the battalion ammunition point.

(a) The new warheads XM-229 (17.5 lbs) and the proximity fuse (XM-429) are now authorized for operational use and are being stocked at the ammunition point. Beginning next quarter, ammunition will be requisitioned and distributed on the basis of 40% XM-229, and 60% M-151. It is anticipated that 10 to 15% of the M-151's will be equipped with the XM-429 proximity fuse.

(3) Construction: New vertical construction completed during this reporting period consisted of two wood buildings 20' by 60'. These buildings will be used as offices for a portion of the headquarters staff and the unit personnel section.

(a ) At the present time engineers are replacing revetments which were originally built on the battalion heliport utilizing self help and CBU containers, with the Army standard revetments. The estimated completion of this project is unknown. Additionally, two technical supply buildings 20' by 90' are being Constructed adjacent to the flight line. Estimated completion date of these builds is unknown.

(b) In the battalion contonement area, units are currently constructing day rooms under the self help program. The day rooms are expected to be completed during the next reporting period.

(4) Supply: On 3 July 1968, the battalion received the NOMEX flight suits which had been requisitioned through the 1st logistical Command. These flight suits have been issued to the aviators of this command on a two per man basis.

(5) Movement: During this reporting period the battalion completed the move of the battalion headquarters element, the 118th Assault Helicopter Company and the 334th Armed helicopter Company from its location on Cong Ly street in the city of Bien Hoa to the area on the airbase known as Woodson Compound, This move resulted in All units of the battalion located at Bien Hoa to be quartered in the same location. The name of the battalion compound, Honour Smith Compound, Was transferred to the new battalion area from Cong Ly street.

m. Safety:

(1) During the period 1 May 1968 through 31 July 1968, the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion experienced 5 major accidents and 1 incident resulting in one fatality and six injuries.

(2) In May 1968, the battalion safety office published the first issue of the monthly Aircraft Accident Prevention Bulletin. The present plan is to continue to publish the bulletin on a monthly basis and distribute it to each aviator in the battalion.

(3) During this reporting period the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion has continued to stress it's new safety program which was initiated during the previous reporting period. This program places emphasis on pilot standardization and education, and improved operational procedures. Since the program was inaugurated, the overall aircraft accident rate has been decreased by 200% compared to the past three year period.

(4) The hover check performed prior to each flight has proven to be an invaluable aid in the reduction of aircraft accidents caused by low RPM on take-off. This pre-take-off check which is used throughout the battalion has proved to be an extremely effective and reliable method of determining available take-off power.

n. Flight Standardization:
(1) During this reporting period the primary training and standardization has been focused toward the initial in-country orientation of newly assigned aviators. This training is accomplished at subordinate unit level, as well as all required training to insure an aviator's proficiency peculiar to combat operation in Vietnam.
(2) Problems still exist in the availability of qualified experienced pilots capable of performing instructor and standardized pilot duties. The majority of the replacement aviators are recent graduates from the United States Army Aviation School and require in excess of six months to gain sufficient experience to perform these duties. The assignment of more experienced aviators would greatly enhance the effectiveness of a sound standardization program.
2. (C) Section 2, Lessons Learned: Commander's Observation, Evaluation and Recommendations.
a. Personnel: None
b. Operations:
(1) CH-47 Preparing Airmobile Operations
(a) OBSERVATION: Use of CH-47 Chinooks, integrated with UH-1 helicopters is increasing.
(b)EVALUATION: There is an increasing trend toward utilization of CH-47 Chinook aircraft in conjunction with UH-1 aircraft on airmobile operations. With the increased complexity, more coordination becomes necessary to insure a smooth and well synchronized operation. It has been observed during this type of operation that the lack of total cooperation between all units involved has been a great hindrance to the air mission Commander. To effectively plan his mission, the air mission commander must know, among other things, how many sorties must be airlifted, how many CH-47's are at his disposal, the ASL of aircraft, fuel capacity, turn around times, reporting and release times, and other missions necessary items of information. This information can only be obtained by effective coordination with the attached aviation unit.
(c) RECOMMENDATION: When airmobile missions involving CH-47 aircraft are assigned by AAR the designation of the supporting CH-47 units should be supplied to the airmobile unit conducting the operation. This would allow the air mission commander to coordinate with all units involved in the operation and result in a more effective operation and more efficient support.
(2) Firefly Utilization
(a) OBSERVATION: Utilization of Firefly is becoming ineffective.
(b) EVALUATION: The utilization of firefly in the III Corps tactical zone during the past three months has not been as effective as it had been during the previous reporting period. This was due primarily to the fact that the users of firefly did not fully understand the capabilities and limitations of this specialized fire team, to promote a better understanding of firefly techniques, tactical employments, capabilities, and problems encountered, a firefly conference was held at 145th Combat Aviation Battalion 30 May 1968.
Representatives from II Field Forces, III Corps, 12th Combat Aviation Group, 145th Combat Aviation Battalion, an the 334th Armed Helicopter Company participated in the conference. Results of the conference were highly beneficial, but it is felt that more effective utilization of firefly could be attained. Problems still encountered are:
(aa) The individual tactical operations centers that are supported by firefly are not cognizant of the facts of the various tactical roles in which firefly can be utilized.
(bb) Areas of operations assigned to firefly is not based on up to date intelligence. Firefly has limited time in each AO; therefore, it should search the most lucrative areas.
(cc) Proper coordination of all ground and artillery personnel is not accomplished prior to firefly's arrival on the schedule area of operation. Check fires are not adhered to while firefly is in the area.
(dd) Observers that are sent with firefly are not properly briefed on the area of operations and do not possess the authority to grant clearances to fire within the AO.
(ee) Missions have become stereotyped and have resulted in certain areas being unproductive.
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) That all tactical operation centers be notified of firefly's various tactical roles in order that firefly will be utilized to its maximum advantage while in their particular AO.
(2) That firefly be utilized more as ESB (Emergency Standby) at night. When a ground unit comes under attack, firefly can employ its integral illumination and light fire team capability to maximum advantage.
(3) That the importance of ground unit and artillery coordination be continuously stressed because of firefly's limited time on station. Effective check fires will prevent missions from being aborted due to a lack of prior coordination and communication.
(4) That a quarterly firefly conference with representatives from II Field Forces, III Corps, 12th Combat Aviation Group, 145th Combat Aviation Battalion and 334th Armed Helicopter Company be conducted to solve any problem that may arise. To obtain maximum combat effectiveness from firefly, it will require a continuous process of educating all users on the capabilities, limitations, and tactical roles of firefly.
(3) Firing Angles for XM-229
(a) OBSERVATION: Firing angle for XM-229 warhead (17.51 lb) from low altitude with shallow angles of attack causes maximum dispersion.
(b) EVALUATION: Firing from low altitudes and maximum range (less than 10 degrees flight angle) results in maximum rocket drop and range dispersion. firing from higher flight angles (above 15 degrees) achieves maximum delivery accuracy. It was found that firing from the following ranges and altitudes, the sight setting remained approximately the same as for it's M-151.
Range (meters) Altitude (feet)
500 500
1000 1000
1500 1500
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS: That steeper angles of attack (above 150) be utilized for the XM-229 warhead, whenever possible, to insure more accuracy delivery.
(4) Sight Settings
(a) OBSERVATION: Adding super-elevation for XM-229 firing is necessary for maximum accuracy.
(b) EVALUATION: The XM-229 warhead is seven pounds heavier than the M-151 (10 lbs) warhead, however, the rocket motors are identical for both warheads. To compensate for the extra seven pounds of weight, a super-elevation of 50-80 mils (above setting for M-151) is required depending on range.
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS: That 50 mils of super-elevation be used as a "rule of thumb" for initial firing pass with XM-299 warhead.
(5) Delay Fuze
(a) OBSERVATION: Delay Fuze on XM-229 rocket would greatly enhance it's effectiveness on certain targets.
(b) EVALUATION: The 17 pound warhead was found to be ideal for tree line targets, larger waterborne targets, hootches and fortifications-except heavily reinforced concrete bunkers. The 17 pound warhead with delay Fuze would be more effective for a "bunker-buster" than the super-quick fuze.
(c) RECOMMENDATION: That action be initiated to obtain and employ delay fuze for the 17 pound warhead to be used against reinforced bunkers.
(6) Evaluation of XM-229
(a) OBSERVATION: The new XM-229 has many advantages over the old 10 pound warhead.
(b) EVALUATION: The XM-229 with PD fuze has a 30% increased in lethality over the M-151/PD. One 17 pound warhead packs more explosive power than a 105 MM artillery round (5.0 lbs vs. 4.6 lbs of composition B-4). The larger lethal area and loss in maximum range (from 3000 to 2000 meters) of the XM-229 are very noticeable during firing. The new warhead does not change existing helicopter tactics and doctrine. However, troop safety criteria is a primary concern in it's employment. Current training policy is that the 17 pound warhead will not be fired closer than 100 meters to friendly ground troops until additional experience with this warhead has been evaluated. This unit commenced utilizing the 17.5 pound warhead on an optional basis on 13 July 1968 with successful results and favorable comments from the pilots. It has been primarily utilized by the low ship on firefly. Utilizing the 17 pound warhead, one firefly destroyed five bunkers on the night of 19 July 1968.
(c) RECOMMENDATION: The XM-229/PD tremendously augments the firepower of our gunships. The training program as outlined in Circular Number 350-1, 1st Aviation Brigade, dated 7 June 1968, should be accomplished as soon as possible in order to increase the combat power of our organic aviation.
(7) Removal of Pilot/Co-pilot Doors on UH-1 Aircraft
(a) Observation: The removal of pilot compartment doors greatly enhances the safety of helicopters in a combat flying environment.
(b) Evaluation: Units of this battalion have been flying all combat assault and combat related missions with pilot compartment doors removed from aircraft. The removal allows the following;
(aa) Increased visibility greatly assisting in airborne observation of other aircraft and is felt to greatly reduce the possibility of mid-air collisions.
(bb) Increased visibility in dusty landing and pick-up zones.
(cc) Increased visibility and safety is obtained when operated in an LZ or PZ during rain showers by permitting ground reference to the side when vision is obscured by rain on the aircraft windshield.
(dd) Elimination of shrapnel from doors and Plexiglas.
(ee) Increased ground surveillance through the open area created by these doors.
(ff) Improvement of emergency escape capabilities.
(gg) Increased airflow in cockpit area reducing pilot fatigue caused by stuffy air and high temperatures.
The only disadvantages to the removal of these doors is that protective measures must be taken to avoid damage to the console and it's electrical equipment when the aircraft is in a static condition. This has been overcome by placing a poncho or a salvage piece of canvas over the radio console when aircraft will remain on the ground for an extended period of time.
(c) RECOMMENDATION:
That all pilot compartment doors be removed from UH-1 helicopters that are directly involved in aircraft operations.
c. Training: None
d. Intelligence: None
e. Logistics: None
f. Organization: None
g. Maintenance: None
(1) Hot End Inspections
(a) OBSERVATION: Hot-end Inspections have been extended from 300 to 400 hours.
(b) EVALUATION: Since the extension of the hot-end inspections interval from 300 to 400 hours for the T-53 (L-11) engines, this unit has experienced an extensive increase in defects found during the inspection. During all inspections performed at the 400 hour interval, either a cracked N-1 flange or a warped N-1 flange or a combination of the two, was detected. Neither of these conditions had manifested itself by high EGT or power loss indications to suggest the conditions existed. As a result, considerable down time was experienced by the necessity to EDP requiring parts. With the exception of one engine, this was the initial hot-end inspection which indicates that this defect was occurring between 300 to 400 hours, but previously not being detected until the second inspection at 600 hours flying time was accomplished. These engines were installed on UH-1C aircraft which operate continuously at near gross weight and high N-1 power settings. This may have been a contributing factor. A severe aircraft availability problem was caused by a lack of anticipation of the problem and attempts were made to schedule maximum spacing between aircraft scheduled for inspections.
(c) RECOMMENDATION: That units monitor the hot-end time on engines and attempt to prevent the condition whereby aircraft become due for an inspection within a relatively short time. It can definitely create grave problems for all concerned.
(2) Rotor Blade Inspection:
(a) OBSERVATION: Daily inspection of UH-1C and AH-1G main rotor blades are necessary to detect early signs of blade separation.
(b) EVALUATION: Recent inspections and investigation have revealed UH-1C and AH-1G main rotor blades becoming unserviceable as a result of a crack developing between the leading edge spar and extreme trailing edge and bond separation of grip plates which may continue inboard to retention bolt hole. The requirement of this inspection was established by urgent action TB 55-1520-211-20/8 dated 27 December 1966 " Inspection of UH-1C (540 UH-1B) Main Rotor Blades". Failure to perform this inspection daily will cause the aircraft status symbol to be changed to a red "X" condition. This is a special inspection along and beyond the inspection of blades specified in the applicable PMD checklist.
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS: That aircraft crews be directed to read TB 55-1520-211-20/8 dated 27 December 1966, "Inspection of UH-1C (540 UH-1B Main Rotor Blades" to clarify the purpose of the inspection and the inspection procedures. That entry on DA Form 2408-13 be recorded as follows: DI of M/R blades due LAW TB 55-1520-211-20/8"
h. Safety: None
I. Signal:
1. AN/TRC-146 Radio Set
(a) OBSERVATION: Use of the HF radio set, AN/TRC-146 is not practical for it's units which are in close proximity to both their lower and higher echelons of command.
(b) EVALUATION: During the current reporting period this headquarters has continued using the AN/TRC-146 high frequency radio, and has done so with the employment of the 30 foot whip antenna. It has been found that at distances of less that 30-35 miles the system is less than 50% effective regardless of height or location. When stations are more that 40 or more miles distant, transmission and reception are somewhat dependent upon the location of the antenna; for example, if the antenna is located on the top of a 90 foot pole the range is seemingly limited only by atmospheric conditions.
Gerald L. Waldron
LTC, MT
Commanding

AVSC-SC (12 August 1968) 1st Ind
SUBJECT: Operational Report of the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion for Period Ending 31 July 1968 (RCS CSFOR-65) (RI)
DA, HEADQUARTERS, 12TH COMBAT AVIATION GROUP, APO 9626, 22 August 1968
TO: Commanding General, I Field Force Vietnam, ATTN: AVF C-RE-H, APO San Francisco 96266
ACofS for Force Development, DA (ACSFOR, DA), Washington, D.C. 20310
1. In compliance with AR 525-15 and USARV Regulation 525-15, two (2) copies of subject reports are forwarded.
2. This headquarters has reviewed subject report and the following comments are made:
a. Reference pare 10, items (3), (4) and (5) - These lessons learned are a duplicate of comments and recommendations submitted to Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade in a letter, Headquarters 12th Combat Aviation Group, AVGC-SC, 27 April 1968 subject, Test/Training Program for Utilization of New Type Warheads for 2.75 inch. The comments and recommendations are still valid.
b. Reference pare 10 item (6) - Two (2) resources from this headquarters dated 11:01 22 June 1968 and 22 July 1968 have been sent to all units of the 12th Combat Aviation Group emphasizing rapid completion of training programs required by USARV Regulation 350-6, Training, XM 229 Required an XM-229 proximity fuze. The 145th Combat Aviation Battalion has indicated on 3 August 1968 that all required training within the battalion will be completed by mid-August 1968. Continued emphasis must be placed by commanders at all levels to use these new warheads so that with experience pilots trained in their reliability and security can reduce troop safety distance to a realistic figure.
c. Reference pare 13, item I, Signal AN/TRC-146 radio set - this radio has since been transferred from the 145th Cbt Avn Bn to another unit to better separate over greater distances.
d. Reference Inclosure, Aircraft Status- authorizations for HHD and the 334th AHC are incorrect. Authorizations and O/H numbers for the Cobra NETT are incorrect. Correct figures are below:
(1) HHD Auth 2 UH-1A/B, 3 OH-6A, 1 U-6A.
(2) 334th AHC Auth 3 UH-1D/H, 21 AH-1G.
(3) NETT Auth 1 UH-1D/H; 1 O/H: Auth 7 AH-1G, 7 O/H
(4) Change H-64 to read U-6A
AVGC-SC (12 August 1968) 1st Ind
SUBJECT: Operational Report of the 145th Combat Aviation Battalion for the Period Ending 31 July 1968 (RCS CSFOR -65) (RI)
3. Concur with all other comments and recommendations.
For The Commander: Robert A. Witcher
Major, Armor
Asst. Adjutant